The Benefits of Acting Quickly in the Popular South Downs

The property market is very much in demand in the South Downs, but there is a lack of available stock. This has resulted in property owners being aware of the benefits of attracting a ‘chain free buyer’, which I will explain in this blog post.

If buyers are able to purchase a home without the need to sell another, they are considered to be a chain free buyer.  Many require a mortgage however, but as buying agents we act for the best purchasers who are cash rich or with no related sale.

Now four years on from the pandemic, when the market was exceptionally buoyant with a rush to the countryside, we are still finding there is an enormous draw to the South Downs National Park. Demand is outweighing supply once again as we head into the traditional busy spring market.

We believe we are seeing a change now because competition for good quality country houses in sought after villages has gone from strength to strength. In the thirty-plus years that I have been involved in the industry, we have not seen anything quite like the shortage of available properties. In order to strengthen their position, buyers are realising they become very attractive to sellers especially if they do not need to sell first or raise funds, putting them at an advantage over other purchasers.

Here are a few reasons why sellers prefer chain free buyers…

Reduced risk of the sale falling through

Having a buyer pull out of an agreed sale is a seller’s worst fear. It is hugely stressful and causes everything to fall apart. With one in four property sales falling through in the UK, it is no surprise they feel this way. If a buyer doesn’t need to sell in order to proceed with the purchase of another property, this means the risk of them having to pull out is minimised, putting them in good stead in the eyes of a seller.

Shorter time scales with property transactions

If a buyer is chain free, it does help shorten the process. In fact, research has found chain free buyers can reduce the conveyancing process by as much as eight weeks!

Lowering stress levels

Moving home is supposed to be the third most stressful thing anybody can do. Having a chain free buyer is a generally a less stressful option for a seller, as the sale is pretty much guaranteed to progress without delay and with minimal risk of falling through.

It is therefore very tempting for a seller to accept an offer from a chain free buyer, especially one who has the cash available rather than relying on raising a mortgage.

Advantages for buyers

There are additional benefits for buyers too. Purchasers tend to be in an enhanced position to negotiate a better price from their point of view. We have had many occasions where sellers have accepted our clients’ offers, even though they weren’t the highest. This was because they presented themselves as a less risky proposition. Also, stress levels are reduced because buyers don’t need to worry about selling their property in order to proceed with their purchase.

For more purchasing advice contact our Directors at Property Acquisitions, Jennie Hancock, at jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk.

We are delighted to announce completion this month for our clients in the wonderful village of Chiddingfold.

Their priority was to settle in this beautiful part of the world. This fabulous country house, which is constructed in the style of a medieval Sussex Hall House, is set in an unrivalled position with magnificent views over a 35-acre lake towards Blackdown.

Whilst this specific area is notorious for having a lack of good quality housing stock with land, we were able to source this unique home for our client through our network.

Our thanks go to David Carter at The House Partnership for introducing us to this amazing property.

There are many joys of living in a village offering, beauty, peace, clean air, simplicity, charm, natural surroundings and close local communities to name a few. Having access to stunning surroundings and beautiful walks around fields, woodlands and rivers is a completely different experience to living in a city or busy town.

Many generations choose this way of life over urban lifestyles, seeking a more relaxed and gentle pace that makes life far more enjoyable. 2023 was the busiest year we have had with property buyers looking for just this, with over 60% of clients now from out of the area, most of whom are choosing villages over towns.

There are many well-known villages in and around Chichester to choose from, but there are also some hidden gems where you literally step back in time. If you’re the type of home-owner keen to explore off the beaten track villages, yet still be close to daily necessities, excellent schools and a variety of activities, you may wish to consider these rural wonders…

West Stoke 

Ideal for those who love their watersports as well as their country walks and cycling, this is a highly regarded South Downs village very close to the waters of Chichester Harbour, Bosham and the Witterings, as well as Goodwood, Kingley Vale Nature Reserve and the South Downs. There’s also a village hall and Wellies Tea Rooms which serves lovely lunches, coffees and teas. For such a small village, it has a lot going for it!

East Dean

A lovely sleepy village part of the Upper Lavant Valley, offering a traditional village pond setting with fabulous walks on its doorstep. There’s also a very good pub called the Star and Garter. If you pop across to the next village in Charlton, there’s another called The Fox Goes Free.

Chilgrove

Gin and vodka lovers will know this picturesque village is home to Chilgrove Spirits, which is not only sold in local shops but also the likes of Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Majestics. Most people don’t actually realise Chilgrove is where it is, as it’s quite hidden to passers-by, but located at the foot of the South Downs, there are some super walking trails that take you up to Kingley Vale Nature Reserve or the South Downs Way. There’s also a superb 18thCentury inn, The White Horse, that’s definitely worth a visit for lunch in between your property viewings.

The Mardens

Another village you may miss on your travels if you didn’t know it was there, is North Marden. In the heart of the South Downs National Park, it boasts a stunning 12th century church with farms and cottages scattered around commanding far reaching views. It’s very much one for those who are looking for a ‘sleepy’ tiny village. There aren’t any shops or a pub, but Chichester is just 7.5 miles away whilst the surrounding villages have some exceptional pubs and shops to enjoy. There are plenty of bridle and foot paths in North Marden however, with easy access to local golf courses, the coast and good schools too. There is also East and West Marden offering a similar slow pace of life.

Church Norton and Sidlesham 

Houses rarely come up for sale in Church Norton as there aren’t many, but its fabulous beach, walking routes and church make it one of my favourite hidden villages. This attractive hamlet sits on the edge of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, with nearby Selsey providing all the local shops and facilities you need. Sidlesham is a large parish which boasts a great pub (Crab & Lobster), church and a primary school. There are wonderful walks, views and also sitting on the edge of the nature reserve, it’s really popular with bird watchers.

Venturing out between Midhurst and Petworth, you will find some more truly stunning English villages. Still within the South Downs National Park, these in particular have proved more popular with my clients over the last twelve months than they have in fifteen years! 

Graffham

Graffham offers plenty of walks, cycling routes, two pubs (I highly recommend the White Horse Graffham), a church, recreational ground, an outstanding Ofsted rated primary school, and one of the best village shops around that stores everything you could possibly wish for.

Lurgashall

This is a very pretty English village setting centred around a traditional village green where you will find the ever popular Noah’s Ark Inn located. There’s also a village shop and post office with a wide range of shops nearby in Midhurst or Petworth.

There really are so many lovely hidden village gems in this part of West Sussex, with other favourites of mine including Heyshott, Selham, Slindon, Lickfold, Boxgrove, Treyford, East Harting.  

For any questions about finding your dream village home in any of these locations, please do get in touch with myself, Jennie Hancock, via e-mail @ jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk